SIGN UP

Create an Inhabitat account

Sign up for weekly newsletter

I agree to receive emails from the site. I can withdraw my consent at any time by unsubscribing.

I agree to Inhabitat's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and to the use of cookies described therein, and I also consent to the collection, storage, and processing of my data in the United States, where data protection laws may be different from those in my country.

Milan's stunning <a href="http://fuorisalone2014.breradesigndistrict.it/progetto/16/lezioni-di-design-il-manifesto" target="_blank">Brera Design District</a> has been a bastion of art and culture for nearly two thousand years, and the work featured there during <a href="https://inhabitat.com/tag/milan-design-week/"> Milan Design Week 2014</a> pays homage to that history. The buildings there, many of which are centuries old, are host to innovating and inspiring projects by both established and up-and-coming designers; Italian and international alike. The main theme of the exhibitions centered around recycling and sustainability: reusing and upcycling used materials in order to make products that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

1

Hampus Penttinen

Sweden-based designer <a href="http://cargocollective.com/hampusform" target="_blank">Hampus Penttinen</a> created his <a href="http://cargocollective.com/hampusform/SVARTSKAR" target="_blank">Svartskär</a> chair out of the flotsam that washes up on the shore of Kosterhavet—Sweden's only national marine park.

2

Luka Jelusic

<a href="http://www.un-desirables.com/#!luka-jelusic/cc3q" target="_blank">"Two Little Birds" playhouse by Luka Jelusic</a> is an indoor play space for preschoolers. Made of birch plywood and rope made from water hyacinths, it's a space in which children can indulge their imaginations in an enclosed, safe environment that's made just for them. With shelving space for toys and books, this nook could be an imaginary boat, treehouse, or fairy castle; whatever the child can dream of.

3

Laetitia Fortin

Traditionally, rope-making has always been a group endeavor, with many people working together for mutual benefit. Ropes created by communities are used for everything from fishing to furniture, and said ropes are generally made from used materials. In <a href="http://cargocollective.com/laetitiafortin/Woven-link" target="_blank">"Woven Link" by Laetitia Fortin</a>, plastic bags and textile remnants gain new life as woven rope furniture, created by many hands for all to use and enjoy.

4

Cape Best - Coat Hanger

<a href="http://www.capebest.it/" target="_blank">Cape Best</a> imports the most unique and creative pieces that South Africa's Cape Town designers have to offer, and these coat hangers by <a href="http://designandstyle.blogosfere.it/post/522995/fuorisalone-2014-cape-best-presenta-i-complementi-darredo-di-cara-judd-le-foto" target="_blank">Cara Judd</a>, made from discarded golf clubs, are no exception.

5

Cape Best - Frame

<a href="http://designandstyle.blogosfere.it/post/522995/fuorisalone-2014-cape-best-presenta-i-complementi-darredo-di-cara-judd-le-foto" target="_blank">Cara</a> works primarily with upcycled materials found in and around the Cape Town area.

Italian design firm <a href="http://www.ildoppiosegno.org/" target="_blank">ildoppiosegno</a> collaborated with the folks at <a href="http://www.ibarzaghi.it/" target="_blank">I Barzaghi</a> to create stunning pieces from solid black walnut wood. The intent is to create sculptural furniture that will last for several generations; a stark contrast to temporary, disposable furniture that has gained popularity in recent decades.

8

Anime Di Carta - Staygreen

<a href="http://www.staygreen.it/it/" target="_blank">Staygreen</a> collaborated with <a href="http://studiopamio.com/" target="_blank">Roberto Pamio + Partners</a> to create a line of eco-savvy furnishings that didn't skimp on style. Made from corrugated cardboard and held together with a glue made from pea starch, these elegant pieces would fit right into any modern living space.

9

Anime Di Carta - Wendy and Stone

<a href="http://www.staygreen.it/it/" target="_blank">Staygreen's</a> concern for a sustainable, responsible future also extends to lighting solutions, such as <a href="http://www.staygreen.it/docs/catalogo_staygreen.pdf" target="_blank">these "Misha" lamps</a> made of double-corrugated cardboard.

10

Martin Bjornson - Octopus

<a href="http://www.martinbjornson.com" target="_blank">Martin Björnson</a>'s wooden "Octopus" chairs are sculptures in their own right, with eight legs for ultimate balance and sturdiness instead of just three or four.

11

On Design

The <a href="http://www.oondesign.it/wp2/?p=266" target="_blank">"Rossana" chairs</a> by <a href="http://www.oondesign.it" target="_blank">OonDesign</a> are made of re-purposed cardboard and recycled wool. Their classic recliner style is as timeless as it is comfortable.

12

Regenesi Lamp

<a href="http://shop.regenesi.com/it/accessori-ufficio/linea-oregami-mobile-lamp.html" target="_blank">The "o-Re-Gami" mobile lamp</a>, designed by <a href="http://regenesi.com/matali-crasset/" target="_blank">Matali Crasset</a> for <a href="http://regenesi.com" target="_blank">Regenesi</a>, is formed from molded sheets of recycled leather. It's both recycled and biodegradable, and when combined with an LED bulb, creates a soft, gentle light that's ideal for home or workplace use.

13

Regenesi Plate

<a href="http://regenesi.com" target="_blank">Regenesi's</a> line of <a href="http://shop.regenesi.com/it/accessori-casa/linea-alutable-piatto-da-portata.html" target="_blank">plates</a> and <a href="http://shop.regenesi.com/it/accessori-casa/linea-alutable-ciotola-dessert.html" target="_blank">bowls</a> is made of brushed recycled aluminium.

14

Viabizzuno

<a href="http://www.viabizzuno.com/" target="_blank">Viabizzuno's</a> products are both elegant and eco-conscious: The company endeavors to reduce energy consumption and environmental pollutants, while ensuring that their creations are as functional and stunning as they are ethical.

Also by <a href="http://www.marionanni.com/" target="_blank">Mario Nanni</a> and <a href="http:// http://www.fantetti.it/" target="_blank">Alessandro Fantetti</a> for <a href="http://www.viabizzuno.com/" target="_blank">Viabizzuno</a>, this piece isn't just a lighting system: it's a perfect perch for a planter of fresh herbs or flowers, and would be as beautiful in a garden as in a sitting-room.

17

1/17

Brera

Milan's stunning Brera Design District has been a bastion of art and culture for nearly two thousand years, and the work featured there during Milan Design Week 2014 pays homage to that history. The buildings there, many of which are centuries old, are host to innovating and inspiring projects by both established and up-and-coming designers; Italian and international alike. The main theme of the exhibitions centered around recycling and sustainability: reusing and upcycling used materials in order to make products that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.